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Psychology News

These research articles involve many aspects of psychology such as cognitive psychology, depression studies, mental health, stress, happiness and neuropsychology, Scroll below for more specific categories.

This shows a woman sitting alone on a step at night.

Loneliness Linked to Nightmares

Research reveals that loneliness is linked to an increased frequency and intensity of nightmares, highlighting the connection between social isolation and sleep disturbances. The study suggests that stress, rumination, and hyperarousal contribute to these effects, indicating that loneliness affects mental and physical well-being. This research supports the evolutionary theory that a sense of belonging is crucial for human survival. Addressing loneliness may potentially improve sleep quality and overall health.

Hurts to Think: The Unpleasant Truth About Mental Effort

New research suggests that mental exertion is often associated with unpleasant feelings such as stress and irritation, challenging the notion that people enjoy mentally demanding tasks. A meta-analysis of 170 studies found a consistent link between mental effort and discomfort across diverse populations and tasks. Interestingly, this aversive effect was less pronounced in Asian countries, possibly due to different cultural attitudes towards education. Despite the discomfort, people still engage in challenging tasks for potential rewards, indicating that the motivation may lie in the benefits rather than the effort itself.

Overthinking Happiness Can Lower Life Satisfaction

Obsessing over personal happiness can actually decrease life satisfaction, according to new research. In three studies involving over 1,800 participants, individuals who judged their own happiness reported lower well-being, increased negativity, and more disappointment in positive events.

Unraveling Schizophrenia: Genetics and Environmental Insights

A recent review outlines the genetic complexity of schizophrenia, highlighting nearly 300 common genetic variants and over 20 rare variants linked to the disorder. Researchers emphasize that schizophrenia's genetic basis is multifaceted, involving multiple genes rather than a single cause. Environmental factors like lifestyle and stress also play crucial roles. This understanding underscores the need for comprehensive research to develop better interventions for schizophrenia.

Cannabigerol (CBG) Reduces Anxiety and Improves Memory

A new study shows that Cannabigerol (CBG) significantly reduces anxiety without the intoxicating effects of THC. The clinical trial found that 20 mg of CBG reduced anxiety and stress in participants, with memory enhancement as an unexpected benefit. The study highlights CBG’s potential as an alternative anxiety treatment. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore additional benefits.

Study Finds Americans Have More Friends Than Previously Thought

American adults typically have more friends than recent surveys suggest, with fewer reporting no friends at all. The survey found that an average American adult has four to five friends, and only 2% reported being friendless. Despite general satisfaction, many adults wish for closer friendships and more time with friends. These findings challenge recent concerns about increasing loneliness and declining friendships.

Preteen Suicide Rates Rising, Especially Among Girls and Minorities

A recent study reveals that preteen suicide rates have increased by 8% annually since 2008, with the highest rises among female, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic preteens. The findings stress the need for culturally responsive prevention efforts, including risk screening and lethal means safety counseling. The study also found that hanging and suffocation are the most common methods, with firearms rapidly increasing. These insights call for targeted interventions to address this alarming trend.

Exercise Boosts Motivation to Combat Depression

A new study suggests that exercise reduces depression by boosting motivation through decreased inflammation and enhanced dopamine function. This understanding could lead to personalized exercise programs as treatment. The review highlights how aerobic exercise combats anhedonia and low energy in depression. Large trials are needed to further test this hypothesis and explore barriers to exercise.

Study Finds Faces Evolve to Match Names Over Time

A new study reveals that a person's face tends to evolve to suit their name, demonstrating the profound impact of social expectations. The research showed that adults' faces could be matched to their names with high accuracy, while children's faces could not.

Study Reveals Shared Values Among US Voters Despite Political Divide

New research reveals that most American voters, regardless of political affiliation, share similar values, but fail to recognize their common ground. This misperception exacerbates societal conflict and pessimism about the future. When shown evidence of their shared values, participants felt more hopeful and trusting towards the other side. The study calls for media and social scientists to highlight these commonalities to reduce perceived polarization.

This shows statues with This and That written on them.

How “This” and “That” Shape Language and Social Cognition

A study reveals that demonstratives like 'this' and 'that' not only indicate distance but also direct attention, linking language to social cognition. Researchers found that the meaning of demonstratives varies across languages and is influenced by the listener's focus. This study involved speakers of ten languages and used computational modeling to understand these dynamics. The findings suggest that attention manipulation is an inherent part of language, embedded in demonstratives.

Grief Accelerates Biological Aging

Losing a close family member can accelerate biological aging, according to a new study. Researchers found that people who experienced the loss of a parent, partner, sibling, or child showed signs of older biological age. This effect was measured using DNA markers known as epigenetic clocks. The study underscores the long-term health impacts of grief and loss across the lifespan.